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T-TRAK Modules

The module is the basic component of a T-TRAK layout. Details of the modules that will be part of a layout, whether at a local clubhouse or at a train show, are vital to the successful design of the layout, in which various modules are interconnected. This tab contain details of all T-TRAK modules owned by Members and Associate Members of the North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC) as well as Club-owned modules and modules on loan to the club.

Module Information

Straight Modules

Straight modules will follow the T-TRAK Standards as defined at t-trak.org. Modules may be the standard 8¼" minimum depth or be up to 14" deep, depending on the desires of the modeler. A single module must be 12-1/8" wide, but multiple width modules are permitted. The track spacing adopted by the North Raleigh Model Railroad Club is the alternate standard of 33mm.

Corner Modules

Corner modules will follow the T-TRAK Standards as defined at t-trak.org. Outside corners will be 14-3/8" square and inside corners will be 18¼" square. Track spacing will be the alternate standard of 33mm.

Special Modules

Some members may wish to model a specific scene such as a large switching yard or industry. Such modules may be of any reasonable size as long as their overall length matches the T-TRAK standards and their depth allows normal placement in a T-TRAK layout. Such modules must not interfere with the normal operation of the layout. There may be some club layouts which, due to size limitations, may not be able to accommodate special modules.

Track

Kato Unitrack is the standard track for T-TRAK modules, and are spaced on the modules per the T-TRAK Standards, except the club will use the alternate 33mm spacing. Other track, such as flextrack, may be used at the discretion of the modeler with the requirement that the module(s) have Kato Unitrack at both ends. All track must be securely fastened to the module and position at the ends per the T-TRAK standard.

Wiring

Basic module wiring will follow the method specified in the T-TRAK Standards, using standard Kato Unitrack wires and connectors, and with the two main tracks wired with blue to the track facing the outside of the module. See the next section for wiring for Digital Command Control. Other wiring for AC or DC accessories will be the responsibility of the module owner, but such additional wiring must no interfere with nor be connected in any way to the track wiring.

DCC Wiring

The T-TRAK wiring standard is intended for DC control of trains, with trains running in opposite directions on the two tracks. This puts track power at opposite polarity on the two tracks. With Digital Command Control (DCC) track polarity should be the same on both tracks. This will be accomplished by means of a track bus that will distribute DCC power from the Booster(s) to the modules. The track bus will follow the NTRAK Recommended Practice of 12gauge stranded cable with Powerpole connectors at the ends, as defined in the document RP on NTRAK Module Wiring. This track bus will have appropriately spaced pig-tail feeders with Kato/Tamiya connectors configured to provide the correct polarity to the track feeders.

Scenery

T-TRAK modules should be scenicked to the same extent as NTRAK modules, within the physical limitations of the module. Sky boards are optional, but recommended, for T-TRAK modules.